Do you or your child have trouble staying focused on one thing? Do you feel restless and restless all the time? This condition is called Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD (Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), as many people know it. One of the main medications used to treat this condition is methylphenidate. Today, we'll talk about this medication, especially the extended-release form that's taken in the evening.
What is methylphenidate?
Simply put, this is a medication that is used to treat ADHD. Medically speaking, it belongs to the stimulant category. Think about it, there are certain chemicals in our brain (neurotransmitters) that help with things like attention and control. A person with ADHD may have a little less activity in these. So, this medication works by stimulating the activity of those chemicals, increasing the ability to focus and controlling impulsive, restless behavior. The special type that we are talking about in this article is designed in such a way that when taken in the evening, its effects are felt throughout the night and into the next morning.
Things you should tell your doctor before taking medication
Before starting this medication, it is very important to talk to your doctor about your complete health history. This is because some medical conditions can make using this medication risky. If you or anyone in your family has any of the conditions listed in the table below, be sure to tell your doctor.
| Medical condition/fact | Why should you inform? |
|---|---|
| Heart disease, high blood pressure, or family history of heart disease | This medicine may slightly increase blood pressure and heart rate. |
| Mental illness (anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, suicidal thoughts) | Because medication can sometimes exacerbate existing mental symptoms. |
| Seizures | This medicine may sometimes increase the risk of epileptic seizures. |
| Glaucoma condition | Because it may increase eye pressure. |
| Liver disease | Because it can affect the process of removing the medicine from the body. |
| Circulatory problems in the fingers (e.g. Raynaud's phenomenon) | Because these symptoms are likely to worsen. |
| Tourette's syndrome or motor tics | Because the symptoms of these conditions may increase. |
| If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or are a breastfeeding mother | You should discuss with your doctor how the medication may affect your child. |
| Allergies to this medicine or anything else | To prevent allergic reactions. |
What is the best way to use the medicine?
As the doctor says, it is very important to take the correct dosage at the correct time.
- Time: This particular type is usually taken in the evening or at night . Try to take it at the same time every day.
- How to take: Swallow the capsule whole with a glass of water. Do not break, crush, or chew the capsule. Doing so may cause all of the medicine to be released into the body at once, which may increase side effects.
- If you have difficulty swallowing: If you have difficulty swallowing the capsule, you can carefully open it, sprinkle the small pills inside on a soft food such as applesauce, and swallow them right away without chewing . But talk to your doctor about this first.
- If you overdose: If you think you have taken more medicine than you should, immediately go to the nearest Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital .
Most importantly: This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not share it with anyone else for any reason. It is illegal and could be dangerous for that person.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
If you forget to take your evening dose, take it as soon as you remember that evening. However, if it is the next day when you remember, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time. Never take two doses at once to make up for a missed dose.
Other things that may interact with this medicine
Some medications can interact with methylphenidate and cause unwanted effects. It is important to tell your doctor about all medications you are taking (including vitamins and herbal remedies).
- MAOI antidepressants: Taking these with this medication is very dangerous. It can cause high blood pressure.
- Blood pressure medications: This medicine may change the effectiveness of blood pressure medications.
- Medications for epilepsy: The effectiveness of these medications may be affected.
- Other Stimulants: Taking it with other ADHD medications, weight loss medications, and caffeinated beverages can cause increased heart rate and restlessness.
- Medications that prevent blood clotting (e.g. Warfarin): The effectiveness of these may change.
Things to be especially careful about when taking medication
- Growth: The doctor will monitor the height and weight of a child taking this medication, as sometimes growth can be affected slightly due to lack of appetite.
- Appetite: It is common to experience an appetite loss when you first start taking the medication. One solution to this is to eat smaller meals several times a day rather than eating a large meal at once.
- Care and attention: Although this medication may improve your alertness, it can also make you feel drowsy. Therefore, be very careful when driving, cycling, or operating machinery until you know exactly how the medication affects you.
- Special warning for men: If you experience a prolonged or painful erection that lasts more than 4 hours, it may be a serious condition. Seek immediate medical attention to prevent permanent damage.
- Changes in your fingers: If you notice any unusual sores, numbness, pain, or sensitivity to cold in your fingers or toes, along with a change in color (white, blue, red) while taking the medication, tell your doctor.
Side effects of the medicine
Like all medications, this one can have side effects, but not everyone gets them.
| Type of side effect | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| If you have any of these, see a doctor immediately. | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face/lips/tongue, difficulty breathing. |
| Changes in heart rate | Fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, chest pain. |
| Changes in mental status | Severe restlessness, agitation, seeing/hearing things that are not there, suicidal thoughts, hostile feelings. |
| Stroke in adults | Sudden numbness/weakness of the face, arm, or leg, difficulty speaking, difficulty walking, severe headache. |
| These are common symptoms, but if they persist, you should tell your doctor. | |
| Minor side effects | Headache, insomnia, loss of appetite, weight loss, nausea, blurred vision. |
Take-Home Message
- Methylphenidate is a medication used to treat ADHD. It increases attention and reduces restlessness.
- Before starting this medication, tell your doctor all your health information (especially heart and mental health conditions).
- Take the medicine exactly as your doctor tells you, at the right time. Do not break, crush, or chew the capsule.
- If you experience severe side effects (chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe mental changes), seek medical advice immediately.
- This medicine is for you only. Never share it with anyone else. Keep it in a safe place out of the reach of children and pets.
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